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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
26
Latest Aug 6, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 431 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 26 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 26, in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the air bag and SRS warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side air bag had failed, and the air bag wiring harness was frayed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and partially covered the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID
11755248
Incident
Feb 6, 2026
Mileage
67,000 mi
AirbagsPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Aug 2, 2026

-On the date of Monday XXX at approximately 4:30 pm est I was traveling on [XXX] and transmission felt like a possible slip happened in transmission. At approximatively 4:45pm est I made it home tried to back vehicle into parking space and reverse was lost. Vehicle didn't and wouldn't shift into reverse. I had to push vehicle in spot backwards. No check engine or warning lights were displayed on dash. - On Tuesday XXX. I contacted [XXX] of [XXX] approximately at 8:30 am est. [XXX] answered. I explained the symptoms and asked If I could bring in within the hour or so. He stated it would be fine to bring in. - At approximately 9:10 am est My girlfriend and [XXX] daughter got in vehicle. Started vehicle no service lights were on, but had no reverse still no reverse. My girlfriends mother was following us to pick us up at dealership as we dont have a 2nd vehicle. We started out driveway to [XXX]. I had no problems at 1st then prior to the intersection of [XXX] the Vehicle lost control on its own. The sequences happened fast and abrupt. 1. Vehicle downshifted roughly to about 3 gear 2. Lost power steering 3. engine over revved 4. vehicle pulled right. During this time as a professional trained driver. I removed us off [XXX] off road way on to [XXX] (To the right) to avoid being in an accident. I would say that the speed was roughly 20MPH at turn as I was avoiding the accident that could of potentially happened. I was not on asphalt the whole time to make turn as I had a limited vehicle (Not properly functional). I was able to stop at [XXX] to stop. Stopped on Brigantine is when I pointed out to my girlfriend that the lights just came on. in the meantime, we received a phone call from [XXX] (Girlfriends mom) asking where we went as she didn't see us. We explained to her situation, and she met on Brigantine and followed us to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11754265
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jul 29, 2026

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership (Goodwin Chevrolet in Oxford, ME) for diagnostic testing on July 22, 2026. The certified technician diagnosed a catastrophic component failure within the primary safety restraint system, noting that the driver's seat side airbag has failed and must be completely replaced. The vehicle has only 53,472 miles. Because the SRS system is currently experiencing a critical fault, the driver's side airbag -- and potentially the rest of the vehicle's airbag deployment network -- is compromised and may fail to deploy as intended in the event of a collision. The manufacturer (General Motors) was contacted but refused to assist with the repair of this premature safety restraint failure, leaving a severe, active safety hazard unresolved.

NHTSA ID
11753526
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jul 11, 2026

I was having an airbag light randomly come up on my dash, and when I would start the vehicle it would state “Service Restraints system”, this started this summer when the weather got hot outside. I took the vehicle in to Serpentini Chevy is Tallmadge Ohio 44278, and they said that a wiring harness and connector need replaced. I saw that there was a recall in 2021 for this exact issue. My vehicle is 5 years old and under 100,000 miles and has never been in an accident and was Chevy certified pre owned. Due to this being a airbag safety issue and a previous recall, it should be a current issue and recall as well

NHTSA ID
11749700
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jun 22, 2026

I am having a problem with my driver seat airbag which has already been recalled. The recall number is N202310850. When I called Chevrolet they told me since my vehicle vin is not in the recall it wont be fixed even though I am having the same symptoms.

NHTSA ID
11745574
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Airbags
Filed Sep 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the message "Safety Restraint System" was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 98,520. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID
11684441
Incident
Aug 2, 2025
Mileage
98,520 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Jun 12, 2025

The safety system needs serviced/repaired and the alert has been present for months, and investigated by GM licensed dealership but not repaired, after several requests. The safety of drivers and passengers has been neglected and the high risk for injury and death while occupying the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Also on 06/11/2025 the EPS Power Steering system failed, with the system alert showing up on the driver's dash. This is a cause for major concern and is noted that 2021 Chevy Tahoe vehicles have an outstanding recall for those affected. The licensed GM dealership was contacted on 06/12/2025 and again, denied the repair and/or ability for the vehicle to be operated safely. The Tahoe has been taken to the shop over the last 12-16 months and as of this day, occupants of this vehicle are at very high risk for injury and death due to the service safety system alert and the failed EPS system. I am compelled to take additional action, to prevent injury and death unless these issues are able to be immediately resolved.

NHTSA ID
11666514
Incident
Jun 11, 2025
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jan 16, 2025

Service safety restraint system notification is coming on, vehicle has 45,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID
11636309
Incident
Jan 8, 2025
Airbags
Filed Dec 17, 2024
Crash reported

Air bags did not deploy after significant frontal damage. No warning that the air bag sensor was bad.

NHTSA ID
11631302
Incident
Dec 12, 2024
Airbags
Filed Oct 22, 2024

Took the vehicle in for Airbag System recall in 2022. They said they fixed it and that there was a broken wire. The very next day the warning light came on again like before. I contacted the dealership and they said bring it in. I could not get it in again as I was very busy. I asked them to make a note in my file of the immediate call/report of still a problem. I took the vehicle in this month (October 2024) for issue of no starting (fuel pump failure, another recall they are denying). They stated that the Drivers Side Airbag module was shorted or bad and my cost would be approximately $1,250. They stated it was not covered under any recall. I contacted Chevy corporate that offered to cover 30% only of this. I believe this should be covered in whole due to the failure to repair the first time and that is is a known safety issue. The vehicle has only 10,800 miles.

NHTSA ID
11621327
Incident
Mar 11, 2022
Airbags
Filed May 12, 2024

I have a 2021 Chevy Tahoe that has been to the dealer 3 times now for an airbag light (DTC B14DC). The dealer has yet to resolve this issue. I am being told it has to do with the harness in my drivers seat. The dealer performed a TSB for this issue which still hasn't fixed the problem. My wife and I travel back and forth from Michigan to Arizona and I am concerned that the system wont perform correctly if I am in an accident.

NHTSA ID
11588304
Incident
May 10, 2024
Airbags
Filed Apr 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the "Service Safety Restraint" massage was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front driver's side seat interior air bag connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID
11583503
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
Mileage
41,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jan 20, 2024
Crash reported3 injuries reported

The airbags failed to deploy in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe after being involved in an accident where another vehicle t-boned my vehicle on the passenger side front end to rear end causing severe damage and pushing my vehicle with great force. A police report was taken by officers that responded to the traffic accident. A claim was filed with my auto insurance and my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is currently being repaired as it was not deemed a total loss. Myself and my passengers were injured and received and continue receiving medical treatment for our injuries; our safety was definitely placed at risk. Before being involved in this accident, warning alerts/lamps would appear on the vehicle’s dashboard indicating to “service the safety restraint system” and also to “open then close passenger window” which in turn led me to take the vehicle in for service however the dealer said it could not be duplicated nor did the computer show any alerts. After the accident, I Contacted General Motors and filed a claim for the non deployment of the airbags, they in turn are conducting their investigation.

NHTSA ID
11566710
Incident
Oct 25, 2023
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Dec 4, 2023

The indicator light 'Service Safety Restraint System' beeps and comes on about every 5 minutes when driving. Sometimes it doesn't come on at all. There is no rhyme or reason for why it happens.

NHTSA ID
11558267
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Nov 21, 2023

The truck had an airbag malfunction notice on the information center. We took the truck to the dealer and was told that it was an electrical problem with the airbags. That the only way to have it covered under warranty was for the vehicle to be under the bumper to bumper warranty. The truck at the time the mileage was 39844. We had the truck fixed since it was a safety issue. It cost $420+ to fix it. We feel that it should have been covered due to a safety issue.

NHTSA ID
11556299
Incident
Oct 31, 2023
Airbags
Filed Jun 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Safety Restraint" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the air bags would not deploy as needed in the event of a crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11528888
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Mileage
37,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Apr 7, 2023

Vehicle is displaying service safety restraint system error message which may affect airbag deployment. Dealer advised problem from GM with a harness being too short under seat and seat adjustment can disconnect SRS system which could fail during an accident. Advised no recall but repair parts were not currently available.

NHTSA ID
11516058
Incident
Mar 25, 2023
AirbagsSteering
Filed Mar 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the warning message "service restraint system" was displayed and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electrical wiring under the front driver’s side seat was damaged from moving the seat back and forth. In addition, the contact also indicated that while operating the vehicle the message "Power Steering" was displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11512732
Incident
Nov 15, 2022
Mileage
140,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 27, 2022

My car’s service safety restraint system alert is on for the second time. I took it to Hanner Chevrolet in Baird, TX the first time and they told me it was fixed. It stayed off for a few months until the alert lit up again. My car is available for inspection. According to the dealership, while that light is on, they cannot guarantee that my airbags will deploy in the event of a crash. The dealership has confirmed that there is a problem and has seen the same issue with many other 2021 Tahoes. My vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership so far. The warning lamp is currently on. Luckily I have not had an accident in my vehicle, but I feel unsafe driving it at this time until the issue is resolved. After speaking with the dealership and researching online, it appears that this is a common issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and creates a significant safety threat. I believe a recall might be required.

NHTSA ID
11486767
Incident
Aug 8, 2022
Airbags
Filed Mar 23, 2022

My airbag light keeps flashing and an alert pops up “service safety restraint system.” Flashes on and off everyday the whole time I’m driving. I can’t even use my digital speedometer because it comes on so much.

NHTSA ID
11458081
Incident
Dec 2, 2021
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Sep 15, 2021

I purchased a 2021 Chevy Tahoe from Autonation Chevrolet 11-3-2020. I have taken my Tahoe to the service department numerous times - as my truck has had a stubborn service safety restraint system warning error code that continues to come on and off. I have taken it to have all recalls serviced as per recall request. The service safety restraint system warning code has not been corrected after more than 5-6 visits if not more as not all visits have been logged properly. I have had this truck for less than 12 months and have experienced too many conflicting issues. I do NOT feel safe driving my Tahoe with the SRS light on. There's obviously a malfunction that you all have not been able to figure out. This is extremely dangerous!! What if I were to get involved in an accident or collision and my airbags do not deploy? I may have a problem with the airbags themselves, a loose wire, a faulty seat belt buckle, or a problem with the engine control unit which is causing the airbag warning to come on. There is obviously a major problem. I am putting my children and family at risk. I have not received an email or phone call from anyone at Autonation Chevrolet. The service safety restraint system warning code has come on and off 7x since I was last at the dealership (9/10/21) and I have pictures to support.

NHTSA ID
11433146
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Nov 26, 2020

CONSTANT RECURRING "SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM" WARNING, MOSTLY WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED.

NHTSA ID
11376429
Incident
Nov 23, 2020
Mileage
700 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 11, 2020

SINCE SEPTEMBER 23, A 'SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM' WARNING LIGHT REPEATED COMES ON AT THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. THE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY FEW MILES WHILE DRIVING, AT ANY SPEED UNDER ANY ROAD CONDITION.

NHTSA ID
11374129
Incident
Sep 23, 2020
Airbags
Filed Oct 8, 2020

PURCHASE THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN A WEEK THE SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A ETA ON WHEN THEY CAN GET THE CABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. ARE THEY SELLING VEHICLES WITH BAD PARTS

NHTSA ID
11363479
Incident
Sep 13, 2020
Mileage
1,100 mi
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Sep 29, 2020

BRAND NEW VEHICLE BOUGHT TWO WEEKS AGO. I AM GETTING A SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM MESSAGE INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ID
11361893
Incident
Sep 23, 2020
Mileage
503 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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